CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Interstat) — A surging Mercer squad looks to continue its climb in the Southern Conference standings when it visits a struggling Chattanooga team on Thursday night at McKenzie Arena. The Bears (15-8) enter on a hot streak, having won six of their last seven games, including a 95-81 victory over Virginia Military Institute last Saturday. The Mocs (9-14), meanwhile, have lost four of their last five, most recently falling 75-70 at Furman. The matchup features two of the league’s top guards. Mercer is powered by dynamic junior Baraka Okojie, who is averaging 21.4 points and 6.6 assists over his last seven contests. He dropped 24 points and dished seven assists in the win over VMI. Chattanooga will counter with senior Brennan Watkins, who has scored in double figures in five straight games, including a 19-point effort in the loss to Furman. Mercer’s recent success has been a team effort. In the win over VMI, Armani Mighty added 17 points and eight rebounds, while Brady Shoulders posted a double-double with 11 points and 12 boards. The Bears’ offense has been potent, scoring 95 or more points in three of their last four wins. Chattanooga seeks to defend its home court and reverse its fortunes. Beyond Watkins, Teddy Washington provided 16 points against Furman. The Mocs will need a stronger defensive performance to slow Mercer’s high-powered attack, which has averaged 92.6 points per game during its current three-game win streak. This is the first of two regular-season meetings between the programs, with the rematch scheduled for Feb. 19 in Macon, Georgia. Mercer currently sits near the top of the SoCon standings, while Chattanooga looks to gain ground and improve its positioning before the conference tournament. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST Thursday.